To really live, we need more than food, clothing, and shelter—the necessities of life. How many of the nearly seven and a half billion people on this planet live meaningful lives? And, of that number, how many are living for something which will outlast this life? Only Jesus can put life into our lives. He is “the way, and the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6).
Purposeful living–the kind that leads us to heaven–is impossible apart from union with Christ. Jesus Himself said, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Paul understood the secret to purposeful living. Christ is that secret. Paul faced death with confidence, saying, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). But he also faced life with confidence, saying, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). So, “if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8).